Funerary Headdress (Tugunga)

Arts of Africa

On View: African Storage Annex, East Gallery, 1st Floor

In the kingdoms of Cameroon, masks are often associated with the Nsoro, a secret men’s association that maintains social order and acts as a police force and court of law. Masks are worn during the funerals of the association’s members and during other official activities. Placed on top of the head so that they tower above spectators, the masks inspire respect and awe.

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CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Funerary headdress. The carved head of blackened wood, decorated by an ochre pigment decoration, rests on a wood neck-base. This base is covered by basketry weavings. The forms of the face are flat in character and are marked contrast to the undulating lines of the headdress.

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